The Magnitude and Determinants of Emotional-Behavioral Problems in Working Adolescents in Turkey

Self-reported emotional and behavioral problems among school-going adolescents in Nepal-A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Studies on self-reported emotional and behavioral problems (EBPs) among adolescents are still sparse in many low- and middle-income countries. In Nepal, no such studies have been performed on a larger scale, and little is known about self-reported EBPs in the adolescent population.

METHODS

This cross-sectional, school-based study on EBPs included 1904 adolescents aged 11-18 years, enrolled in government and private schools located in 16 districts in Nepal. The Nepali version of the Youth Self Report form was used to assess self-reported EBPs, and the Teacher Report Form was used to assess academic performance. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for gender comparisons on adolescents' EBPs and on academic competence. Multiple regression analysis was done to explore correlates of self-reported EBPs.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of self-reported EBPs was 14.2%; 15.6% in boys and 12.9% in girls. The mean Total Problems score was 39.27 (standard deviation = 24.16); no gender differences were observed. Boys scored higher on Externalizing Problems and girls scored higher on Internalizing Problems. The effect sizes for gender comparisons were small with Hedges' g ranging from -0.29 to 0.28. Physical illness and negative/traumatic life events were positively correlated with self-reported EBPs, whereas academic performance was negatively correlated. However, the effect sizes were small (η2 < 0.02).

CONCLUSION

This study helps to narrow the knowledge gap on the prevalence, magnitude, and types of self-reported EBPs in Nepali adolescents. It demonstrated an association between self-reported EBPs and academic performance and linked self-reported EBPs to other factors such as negative/traumatic life events and physical illness. The findings might assist health authorities in the planning of mental health services and may also provide valuable background information to clinicians dealing with adolescent mental health problems.

Relationship between suicide risk, and violence tendency and eating attitude in working and non-working adolescents: a comparative study

Although adolescent suicide rates increase significantly, the suicide risk and associated factors in working adolescents is generally neglected. In the present study, it was aimed to determine suicide risk and related factors such as violence tendency and eating attitude in working and non-working adolescents. This case-control study was conducted with 325 adolescents (161 working adolescents, 164 non-working adolescents) between November 2018 and January 2019, in Turkey. Data were collected using the Personal Information Form, Suicide Probability Scale, Violence Tendency Scale and Eating Attitude Test. In the study, the suicide risk was significantly higher in working adolescents (80.79 ± 29.99) than in non-working adolescents (71.90 ± 26.46). Also, working adolescents were determined to be at more risk in terms of violence tendency, eating disorder and substance use than were non-working adolescents. According to linear regression analysis, sex, mother's attitude, presence of a physical or mental illness, alcohol use, violence tendency and eating attitude were statistically significant predictive factors of suicide risk in working adolescents. Researchers, healthcare professionals, educators and policymakers have important responsibilities to improve the mental health of working adolescents.

Factors Correlating with the Emotional and Behavioral Problems among Adolescents with Legal Problems

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of emotional and behavioral problems (EBP) among adolescents (12–18 years) in Indonesia is 28.4%. These problems are related to age, sex, family economic level, father’s education, peer relationships, psychosocial skills, and family mental health status. However, factors related to EBPs among adolescents who are dealing with law cases have not been widely reported. AIM: The purpose of this study is to find out factors correlating with the EBPs among adolescents with legal problems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional design was used in this study. Fifty-nine adolescents with legal problems who were sheltered at the Social Protection and Rehabilitation Centre for Adolescents (SPRCA) and the Guidance Institution for Children (GIC) served respondents. Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaires were used to measure the EBP among adolescents. The Pearson Product Moment and linear regressions were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: The prevalence of the EBP among adolescents with legal problems at SPRCA and GIC is 67.8%. The correlations of emotional problems, behavioral problems, hyperactivity, and peer problems with the EBP among adolescents with legal problems are 67.8%, 64.4%, 13.6%, and 57.6%, respectively. Age and psychosocial skills have an effect of 15.7% on the EBP among adolescents. CONCLUSION: Age and psychosocial skills correlate with the EBP among adolescents with legal problems at the SPRCA and GIC.

Household Food Insecurity and Mental Health Among Teenage Girls Living in Urban Slums in Varanasi, India: A Cross-Sectional Study

This study was undertaken to investigate the relation between household food insecurity and mental health problems in teenage girls living in urban slums. This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 5 urban slums in Varanasi, India, between September 2016 and July 2017. A probability proportion to size (PPS) method was employed to select 5 of 210 urban slums at a first stage, and in the second stage, 418 teenage girls were chosen randomly from selected households. The Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) and mental health inventory tools were employed to assess food insecurity and mental health status. Multivariable logistic regression analysis with at a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to assess the association between household food insecurity and mental health status. Of 418 respondents, 47.6% were food insecure; 64.1%, 57.7%, and 58.4% had high levels of anxiety, depression, or psychological distress, respectively; and 57.2% exhibited a medium level of loss of behavioral control. Furthermore, teenage girls from food insecure households were more likely to have high levels of anxiety, depression, loss of behavioral control and psychological distress than those living in food secure households. This study shows food insecurity is independently associated with mental health problems among teenage girls. Food insecurity in Indian slums should be addressed by specific public health intervention programs that provide access to sufficient safe, nutritious food.